Hop lovers from across Los Angeles descended on Echo Park’s Mohawk Bend over the weekend to taste bitter brews from dozens of California breweries during the first L.A. IPA Festival , and the brewing prowess on display over the two days was unprecedented for a city that was, fairly recently even, a craft beer desert.

The seminal Torrance craft brewery, Strand Brewing Co. , turns 4 this month, and its attention to detail and drive to bring fresh local beer to the South Bay has not only made Strand a successful operation, but has helped develop the craft beer culture in Los Angeles.